DIY Cafe Curtains
Learn how to make DIY cafe curtains with this easy tutorial. Transform your window, giving it a little bit of privacy while also allowing the light to filter through, with these simple tie-top curtains.
Servings 2 panels
Cost 5
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pins
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
Ingredients
- Thread to match the color of your fabric
- Linen fabric the correct measurement that you need for the body and ties.
Instructions
FIND THE LENGTH AND CUT OUT FABRIC
- Measure the length that you want for the curtains. In my case, 28 inches plus 3 inches for the bottom hem, plus 1 inch for the top hem, minus 4 inches to compensate for the tie length. For the width, measure the desired width of the curtain panel and add 2 inches for the side hem.
- Cut as many tie tops as desired that are 36 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
SEW THE TIES
- Fold both ends of the tie fabric under about a half inch, and then fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together, and then sew along the long edge, leaving both ends open. Make sure to backward and forward stitch at the beginning and the end.
- Turn it out using a safety pin, so the raw edges are tucked inside. Press it flat with an iron, making sure the seam is pressed over nicely on the side. Top stitch all the way around each tie. Repeat that with all the ties.
SEW THE MAIN PIECE
- You can see the tutorial on how to create a hem here. Fold over the long sides about a half inch and press it. Fold it over another half inch and press so the raw edges are nicely tucked in and you are left with a clean edge. Do this on both vertical sides.
- For the bottom hem, fold over the bottom edge 1.5 inches and press. Fold that bottom over again 1.5 inches to hide the raw edge. Press. Fold the top edge over 1/2 inch and press. Fold over another 1/2 inch and press.
ADD THE TIES
- Fold the tie in half and place one tie at each of the ends underneath the top fold before hemming it down. Space the remaining three inner ties evenly (you may add more ties if doing a wider curtain panel). Tuck the folded edge of the ties under the folded hem and pin. Sew the hem nearest to the ties. I like to sew it as close as possible to the bottom fold.
- Pull the ties towards the top and put a top stitch along the top of the hem to sew in each tie.
Hang and enjoy your cafe curtains.
Notes
- Wash and dry your fabric before sewing. I usually wash my linen with cold water and hang to dry. You don’t want the fabric to shrink after you’ve already sewn it.
- Always double-check your measurements. Nothing is worse than cutting out the wrong size of fabric and having to run back to the store for more.